Knowledge is Power, Education is Critical. KNOW the warning signs of disordered eating Early Intervention is key to successful recovery

I have a voice, and as a blogger, I have the power to use this voice to extend my message beyond those within my social circle, but make my message viral, or at least hope to. If I can help ONE person notice their disordered eating habits or recognize a loved one's condition, than this post has proven worth it. Everyone deserves to live a happy and healthy life, where food is seen as fuel, not a source of fear and the focus of your existence extends beyond your caloric intake and exercise amount.

Research shows that 35% of “normal dieters” progress to pathological dieting and of those, 20-25% continue on to develop partial or full-syndrome eating disorders (Shisslak, Crago, & Estes, 1995). From TV commercials to bestselling books, there are countless ideas about what we should be eating and how we should be exercising. But this focus on food and weight in the name of “health” can become a dangerous and disruptive preoccupation for some.

Today marks the start of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. The theme for this year is "I had no Idea." Eating Disorders often go undetected or unnoticed because the person does not "look" sick or fit into an eating disorder label category. Eating Disorders are serious physical, emotional AND psychological conditions that cannot always been seen.

There are many types of Eating Disorders. JUST because someone does not "look" sick, does not mean that they have a healthy relationship with food and exercise. Eating Disorders are complex conditions and sometimes a personal may exhibit symptoms from more than one type of disorder. Learn More by clicking the following links to read up on symptoms:

Eating Disorders do not discriminate based on gender, race, size, age, or weight. Remember, just because someone "looks healthy" does not mean that their mindset with eating and exercise is healthy. Knowledge is power, pass this information on to as many people as possible, early intervention is critical to a successful recovery.

Get Involved on Social Media EVERY day this week here but more importantly, PLEASE SPEAK UP, if you suspect someone you love is suffering. Do not accuse them, but come from a place of caring and compassion, your support is what they need to admit they have a problem, and seek the treatment necessary.

This is such an important message to spread! And I love the theme choice- it's true that eating disorders very often go unnoticed. I'm especially concerned about this as a mom of two girls and hope I can raise them to have a healthy relationship with their food!

Thank you! As a mother of two girls, even the fact that you are aware is a start! Girls Gone Strong recently posted an article:
http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/4-tips-for-raising-confident-girls/ check it out! And as a mom, make sure your food/body/exericse choices are healthy so they have a good role model :)

This is such an important topic to get people to starting having a conversation about. Every year I volunteer for the local NEDA walk and help to spread the word about eating disorders in my community. So important to speak up!

Amber, this is such an important topic! I didn't know the bit about how many normal "dieters" end up with some form of disordered eating. And, I thought how you addressed the topic with little judgment, and your same healthy mindset outlook was wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for sharing this, for getting the awareness out there. There are so many different types of disorder in our eating these days, and I have dealt with issues as well--not stemming from punishing myself, but from trying to be healthy and then from fear of what foods will make me sick.We shouldn't fear food, there are far bigger issues in life than that. It seems so easy, doesn't it!

Suz, I completely agree and understand where you are coming from. From fearing foods due to the fact that "this could make me flare" or "make me sick" but as you said, there are far bigger issues, and is something I have overcome. I will always have my IBS, but it will not always have me in its controlling grip xoxo

I just found your blog through Laura. This is a great awareness post! I have 2 daughters and had some struggles myself. It is so important to remember that a lot of people who are very deep in their disorder and need help may not look like it!

Oh how exciting :) Thanks for stopping by, and thank you for your support! As a mother, you have the opportunity to be an incredible role model for your daughters xoxo IF you ever need advice/help, I'm an email away xoxo